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1/11: Rhythm and Jews: A Music Festival
The building was Phoenix's first synagogue, as well as a community center for the city's Jewish residents. Just as it was for the Chinese Christians who followed. And the Spanish-speaking evangelicals who followed them.
Childsplay launches 2009 schedule
Some lessons you only learn by doing. That's exactly what happened to Leslie Dornfeld's daughter.
1/11-18: Barrett-Jackson's Garage party tent
If there's a place other than the auction floor to see and be seen at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, it's the Garage.
1/9-2/28: Vibrant Insights: New Artworks by Jana Peterson
Jana Peterson is a Paradise Valley resident whose corporate clients have included IBM, GTE and Motorola. Her work is part of the museum collection at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, which also commissioned her to paint a mural. She has a bachelor's degree in dance from Stephens College in Missouri, and performs with Flamenco Passion and Fiesta Flamenca.
1/10-11: Native American art festival in Litchfield Park
Arizona is renown for its abundance and diversity of Native American art. The signature form will be on full display this weekend at the Gathering, the 17th-annual Native American arts festival in Litchfield Park. This two-day event features some of the genre's brightest artists and performers, and each year it attracts collectors, enthusiasts and families looking to explore and celebrate the Native American traditions.
To 5/2: All aboard for Apache-country tours
A portion of the train route that once took tourists through Arizona's Apache country has been revived. The Copper Spike takes passengers from downtown Globe to the Apache Gold Casino on the San Carlos Reservation. The rides continue until May 2.
5 slick options for having fun on the ice
If you're from a place where snow and ice are normal parts of winter, the Valley's climate may have helped you forget what really cold feels like. Reintroduce yourself to icy at these skating arenas:
1/11: Wheels of Wellness car show in Phoenix
A historic collection of champion race cars will be on display at the second annual Wheels of Wellness fundraiser Jan. 11 at the Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane in downtown Phoenix.
1/23: Bost Family Traditions
The Buckeye Community Center will be filled with the joyful ring of mandolins, fiddles and tight harmonies Jan. 23, as Bost Family Traditions takes the stage.
1/16-17: D.A. Therrien's 'Beautiful Light' exhibit
Phoenix native and international artist D.A. Therrien presents his latest work, Beautiful Light, at the Scottsdale Waterfront.
1/16: The American Soul & Rock & Roll Choir
The producer promises a choir show packed with wall-to-wall rock classics and soul hits.
1/9: Smothers Brothers
Could there be a Smothers Brothers renaissance going on? Tommy and Dick Smothers are still on the road, with their mix of folk songs and brotherly one-upmanship. They play the Dodge Theatre on Jan. 9.
Top 5 party spots for Suns fans
With the Suns off on another (hopefully) playoff-worthy season, the buzz is high about the men in orange. But there's more going on than the game at U S Airways Center. The arena's got clubs, restaurants, tons of people and plenty of action. Oh, there's also all that stuff between tip-off and the final buzzer. But if you're going for the party, the arena has more to offer than a plastic cup of beer in your seat.
Through March: Scottsdale galleries launches Mimosa Sundays
About 24 galleries so far have signed up to be a part of Mimosa Sundays, a sophisticated yet relaxed event to encourage folks to come out on a day where businesses are typically closed.
5 ways to stay chilly
Arizona temperatures may have helped you forget what it's like to feel really cold. Here are a few activities that might actually require a warm coat.
Phoenix races in January
With so many different walks, runs and races popping up this time of year, it should be easy to find one that works for you. Here are two Phoenix races to check out this month.
Yoga studios for a feel-good fix
It's healthier than stopping off for a cupcake or a cocktail after work and it can improve your posture to boot. Yoga is a healthy way to relax for beginners and experts. Check out these four studios to get your feel-good fix.
1/18: Smash Mouth at P.F. Chang's marathon
Multi-platinum rock band Smash Mouth will headline an outdoor concert in Tempe capping the running of the P.F. Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Arizona Marathon on Jan. 18.
1/7: Funky George Clinton
George Clinton plays the Marquee Theatre in Tempe on January 1. Here's a look back at his career and some of the records that made him such an endless source of inspiration.
1/8-3/26: Superstition Mountain Museum
If you regard museums as archaic collections of eBay rejects, you've never visited the Superstition Mountain Museum.
January to bring four auto auctions
Every January, the Valley becomes a hotbed of classic cars, enthusiastic collectors and elaborate auctions. Here's a look at some of big ones.
Wright insight: Taliesin tours offer look into architect's life
Explore the Valley for Dec. 12.
To 3/8: Darkroom spirituality
Where is spirituality in art?
11/28-1/17: Glendale Glitters holiday light display
Linda Burner cannot wait to welcome thousands of visitors to Glendale Glitters this year.
11/27-1/11: ZooLights again brightens up the holidays
ZooLights' fantastic light show of dancing trees and lighted animals is a holiday tradition. And new features this year are expected to keep the crowds coming back.
11/16-5/09: 'Star Trek' exhibit
The Arizona Science Center introduces "Star Trek: The Exhibition," featuring re-creations, props and costumes from the television and film series over the past 40 years. Organizers think it will attract a diverse audience of all ages.
11/22-5/31: Learn the secrets of glass art
An exhibit featuring world famous glass artist Dale Chihuly will be on display at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix through May 2009.
Sedona grapevine: Vineyards take root in red-rock country
Wineries are taking root in the rolling hills outside Sedona. Taking advantage of the rich volcanic soil and excellent climate, these wineries are producing white and red varietals.
Ongoing: Yakulla Caverns at Phoenix Zoo
A new play area called the Yakulla Caverns at the Phoenix Zoo provides realistic caverns, waterfalls and streams for children to play in.
5 tiny museums with big appeal
Not every museum features great paintings or dinosaur bones. There are a bunch of smaller museums in the Valley that illuminate smaller corners of Arizona life and history.
New baby animals on display at Wildlife World Zoo
The seasons have changed and the circle of life continues at the Wildlife World Zoo. Visitors can welcome a handful of new baby animals, some of them highly endangered. Check out the latest additions to the Litchfield Park zoo family.
Baby animals in 2008
6 Valley mountain-bike trails for all riders
Mountain biking on Valley trails, for every skill level.
4 dog parks in Phx, WV
Give your pup a change of scenery with a trip to your local dog park. Today, we profile some Phoenix and West Valley bark parks.
Hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona
As you approach Sedona from the south, this dramatic cream- and salmon-colored formation stands as a sort of gateway to the backcountry marvels beyond. Impressive from a distance, it's absolutely spectacular up close.
4 patios to chill with a beer
The summer heat has retreated. Nights are cool and the urge to get out pushes you into the city. It's a perfect time to enjoy a brew on the patio. The Valley has plenty of places to do this, ranging from restaurants to microbreweries. Here are four places with patios where you can chill with a cold one.
History of the Sinagua written in the red rocks of Palatki and Honanki ruins
It is Friday afternoon, and a slow, steady stream of visitors makes its way to Palatki Ruin. By the end of the day, 79 people will have visited. Only 10 of them will be from Arizona. This is typical.
Volcanic history on display on crater trail near Flagstaff
Hiking the Old Caves Crater Trail near Flagstaff.
Outdoor places to visit
Sure, summer is essentially a living hell in the Valley. But now we are entering the time of year that makes snowbirds flock to our state. The temperatures are lowering and suddenly you want to be outside, simply people watching or enjoying a good book. Here are some places to think about visiting - take advantage now, because the window for pleasant Arizona weather seems to grow shorter each year.
11/6-1/10: Grand Canyon's Railway's Polar Express
Buy your tickets now for the Grand Canyon Railway's Polar Express train ride. Tickets sell out fast every year.
Fans flock to meet celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis
Over 900 fans flocked to Kierland Commons on Saturday, Oct. 18, to meet Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis.
Bike the Canal
Walking or riding your bike along the Salt River Project canals that crisscross the Valley.
Rock-art exhibit delves past
Centuries ago, Native Americans traveled through eastern Texas and left marks on stone. Some of the people belonged to tribes we call archaic, which means they left these marks at least 1,000 years ago. Maybe longer. 0Other tribes followed, leaving behind volumes of these markings, some 3,000 pictographs that give us a clue of what life must have been like there.
To 3/29: Hopi art work
"We are about beauty," Hopi jewelry artist Charles Loloma (1921-1991) once said of his Native American tribe's art. When curators at the Heard Museum selected about 25 paintings and drawings from the museum collections for a show, they illustrated Loloma's statement. "We are About Beauty: Hopi Artists, Hopi Art" opens Saturday, Oct. 25, at Heard Museum North in Scottsdale.
Valley arts festivals
Shopping for holiday gifts is not always an easy task, which is one reason generic gift cards are often seen as a solution. But if you really want to find something unique for your sweetheart or your mother (or yourself), while also enjoying a day out with the family, take in one of these Valley arts festivals:
Places to visit at Glendale's Catlin Court
Discover the hidden treasures of Downtown Glendale in the historical Catlin Court district.
It's fall - check out Valley's city parks
Autumn is finally here, and it's time to enjoy some outdoor time. While there are plenty of places where you can stretch out on the grass and maybe cook a hot dog, the Valley also is home to city parks with a whole lot more than monkey bars and swings.
10/4-5/30: Mesa Arts and Culture Festival
On Saturday, Mesa unveils its most hopeful enterprise yet for resurgence of its downtown business district - an all-volunteer, weekly arts and culture festival that stretches through May.
MACFest creator takes low key, community approach
See the map
5 high-country hikes to see fall colors
Every year it's the same: Summer comes to visit in the Valley and doesn't know when to leave. No matter how many times we clear our throats while glancing at the thermometer or drop such hints as ''I really should put up the Halloween decorations,'' summer just sits there rattling ice cubes in an empty glass, hoping we'll offer to make one more pitcher of lemonade. » So when the big, sweaty palooka finally does amble toward the door, quickly grab a jacket and your hiking boots if you want to meet a more welcome visitor: autumn color. It doesn't last long. » Here are five trails in the high country north of the Valley to get you started.
Student hangouts downtown
With Arizona State University's major expansion into the center city this month, downtown businesses are gearing up to accommodate the college student's lifestyle. ASU students are crawling through downtown, looking for places to hang out, study and eat for cheap.
Ongoing: Baby giraffe at Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park
There's a new baby at the Wildlife World Zoo, and he's a big one.
